School Project, South East
- Project Bethersden Primary School
- Sector Education
- Location South East
- Tile Product Clay Handmade Tile
- RTA Member Tudor Roof Tile Co Ltd
Challenge
Refurbishing the roofs of historic buildings can pose a challenging problem, particularly when the original peg tiles and rafters need to be replaced and the protection of an endangered species is also involved.Such a challenge was recently encountered during the refurbishment of Bethersden Primary School near Ashford, Kent. The roof of this hundred year old local landmark building still retained the original peg tiles which, over the years, had fallen into a state of disrepair and needed urgent replacement.
As the building was situated in a building conservation area, only ‘like for like’ peg tiles could be used, which would complement the character of this Victorian red brick school.
Solution
This project involved repairs to the roof structure, redecoration of exposed timbers, stripping all tiles from the main school building, laying a breathable membrane and new battens, and re-tiling the roof with sympathetic modern alternatives.Approximately twenty five percent of the original tiles were salvaged and re installed at the back of the building. In keeping with the original roof structure, each of the new peg tiles was individually crafted with the traditional square peg holes, so that they could be hooked onto the replacement metal battens.
As the creation of a modern water-tight and frost resistant roof can reduce roosting opportunities, a number of alternative bat access tiles on the roof and ridges were installed.